Liverpool prepare £25million Christian Benteke bid

The Merseysiders will table an opening offer that falls short of the £32.5m release clause in the Aston Villa striker’s contract.

Liverpool face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham to land Benteke, who will be one of the most in-demand targets of the summer window.

Brendan Rodgers and the Anfield recruitment team have identified Benteke as one of their principal summer targets as they attempt to overhaul their forward line.

The Merseysiders are confident of winning the race for Danny Ings after agreeing terms with the Burnley striker, while Divock Origi will make a permanent move to the club after completing a season-long loan at Lille.

In addition to Benteke, Liverpool are also keeping close tabs on the likes of Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and Borussia Dortmund duo Ciro Immobile and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.